US notes Myanmar independence anniversary

January 2, 2009

WASHINGTON: The U.S. State Department is congratulating Myanmar's people ahead of Sunday's 61st anniversary of the country's independence from British rule.

But the statement Friday takes a swipe at the country's military junta.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the United States wants "to express our warmest wishes to the people of Burma on this occasion."

But he added that the United States looks "forward to the day when Burma's citizens will be able to enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy."

The Associated Press